Poland has been the focus of a number of media highlights in recent months, and for the wrong reasons. After nearly two years of conflict over rule of law issues with the EU, the European Commission pressed forward with invoking…
Mozambique flirts with default
Mozambique is coming close to defaulting on its debt after missing a US$60 million interest payment, which was due to bondholders on January 18, 2017. The government has a 15-day grace period in which to pay. The missed interest payment…
What MNCs should expect from South Africa’s 2017 budget
In late November and early December 2016, when the three main credit rating agencies conducted their year-end reviews, South Africa narrowly avoided being downgraded to sub-investment grade, a fate that has befallen other major emerging economies such as Russia and…
Reappraising Subnational Prioritization in Mexico
While Mexico’s economic recovery remains a work in progress, the expectation that Mexico will experience an economic resurgence on the back of a faster growth in the US and structural reforms is leading multinationals to assess whether they are prepared…
Mexico’s Sluggish Performance Continues
Mexico’s economy continues to struggle as Q3 unfolds, with the economy facing persistent headwinds. The prolonged weakness of the construction sector and continued fallout from tax hikes at the beginning of 2014 are limiting domestic demand. Meanwhile, the US economy’s…
Though Chile’s Consumption Story Remains Solid, Multinationals’ Supply-side Costs Are Likely to Rise
With the second quarter now well under way, Chile continues to outperform, though downside risks loom on the horizon as the outlook for copper prices weakens. Internal demand remains a key growth driver and continues to outpace top-line growth, raising…
Russia’s Positive Consumer Outlook Will be Hit by Inflation Spike in H2 2012
Consumer spending will remain high through H1 2012, benefiting the consumer goods and technology sectors. However, a struggling industrial sector and a rise in inflation will reverse this trend starting in H2 2012. Drivers Historically low inflation, averaging 6.1% in…